CHAPTER 1: ZOE

PRESENT DAY…

"Nena, I am going to be late for my finals."

Zoe brushed her kinky curls as Nena lowered herself on the dining chair, sliding my breakfast. Joining Nena and the bowl of coca cereal.

"Hmm… Nena, what is wrong?"

Calling her Nena was a force of habit and I glanced into her walnut gaze that turns green when she sees something, like it is now. Her face softens, her eye waters and her fingers cupped my cheek.

"I am not ready for you to grow up."

A tear slipped, I managed to wipe it off. I hate seeing her hurting, she has always been strong, confident and all-time inspiring.

"Don't cry. You taught me all I need to know to survive in the world surrounded by darkness. I know how to protect myself, don't worry ma I stronger than I was."

Nana informed me that the people who raised me were Mary and Bernard. How they desperately wanted a child but could not due to moms' reproductive issues.

In order to protect me. The woman I affectionately call Nena gave me up, to have a normal life without the burden of fearing the unknown. For three years I was taught the ways of witches and that was the most magical experience, ever. It took me a while to understand her actions but in time I came to appreciate it, the fact I would be drained by now sends shivers down my spine. My magic is a different story, I was as powerful as most witches, but unlike them I don't make use to ancestral magic, my abilities came from everything around me. My awakening would define my true power.

"I know. I am just so proud."

Finally, eighteen and one paper from being completely unemployed, independent and leaving for collage in a few months. That shall literally be the highlight of my life. All I wanted to do was make my Nena, my birth mother proud. Holding her hand tears of my own escaping.

"One story ends today, and another begins tomorrow. Witches are special even a loss physical being our energy will always be intertwined and what is special is that you will be protected forever."

Quoting from one of her lessons I kissed her fingers. Remembering the way, she helped me to connect witches and how to connect with the originals. Wiping her tears away, she pastes a smile on hugging me releasing warmth and security.

"You have got to get going Taylor will be here any minute."

Stuffing my mouth with delicious calories I grabbed an apple and kissed her cheek. Truth to her words Taylor shows up an emancipated jock with a blue truck.

"Mom, I love you and will see you tomorrow morning."

I kissed her ignoring the daggers. Final year students are invited to the biggest party yet to end the draining year.

****

"Tye, Tye sorry I'm late."

Forever a gentleman he opened the door for her, after she gave him a hug and jumping in. Waiting a less than a minute he popped in, his dark eyes soft, smile inviting as he drove.

"Your silence makes me wonder where your mind roams this time."

Tapping on the starring wheel he looks at me.

"I am just going to miss protecting my girl that's all."

Taylor and I met years before my adopted parent's past, before I was even fourteen.

***

Wondering around the woods void of predators but so was my void perception on what predators are native to the woods there. I felt like red riding hood except a fox appeared and I did not have anything in the basket but a book I planned on reading and a bottle of water.

Frightened I dropped the basket and climbed on top of the closest tree as the fox clawed determined, disappointed she has nothing it wanted. Out of nowhere a dark brown wolf appeared tackling the fox. Each fought for dominance or a chance to kill me, whatever it was there was no way she's jumping down. Terrified I stayed where I stood not willing to take chances, a sudden silence worried after an intensive fight.

The wolf somehow managed to scare the fox as it sat in front of the tree. Seeing my determination to stay on the tree it huddled up and laid down. After what had to be a fraction of forever she jumping down as silent as possible and tip towed away. Happy she was getting away from the dangerous wild life she made a huge mistake of looking back, the wolf was nowhere to be seen. Realizing it was walking next to she jumped, I shrieked as the wolf winced and whined as an apology.

***

That's the day I met his wolf. At school he was my best friend, and not until three years ago did, I realize there's more what meets the eye. A brother I wish I had but never got, glad I met Taylor she thanked magic for his presence in his life.

"We are not going to the opposite sides of the world, remember it's us forever.''

Parking his car, we exist ready to be rid of the biology textbook. Last paper but new beginnings praying I am true to my promise, this the day a witch and werewolf vowed to remain friends forever. Miracles do happen given the fact werewolves despised witches due to ancient bruises. Dark Witches use to skin werewolf in order to allow humans and other supernaturals to possess more power in exchange for wealth or personal satisfaction.

"Forever."

Holding hands as my energy displayed true emotion. A group of other students separated us hauling him away to mundane conversation. Taylor is the quarterback of the football team therefore cheerleaders, popular rich assholes try hard gravitated towards him.

.

The bell rang music to ears of the new generation. Sitting on my assigned table, the paper of possibility in front of me. The moment the clock ticked; Professor Evelin indicated the paper begins hands scribbling knowledge purging out.

"Fifteen minutes left!"

This time Mr Raymond our flamboyant teacher announced, drawing the attention of the silent room. In the fifteen minutes students could submit papers and leave the examination room. Standing paper in hand a sense of dread fluttered my senses awakening a sense of dread. Confused. I handed the paper in, the moment I crossed a threshold out a stab shot through my gut.

"Zoey!"

A moments distraction drew me into a conversation mostly one sided. A headache powered and I grunt out in pain. As if I travelled in time all I could see was Nena's weakened body and blood coating the floor. The numbing pain returning ten folds...

"Zoey what's wrong?!"

Jordan panicked her hushed words an indication she has no idea what to do.

"Stay here I will go get you help and a glass of water."

Scurrying away, she whispered something to the shadow entering blurred vision.